Telangana: LTPs strike affects online building approvals

Hyderabad: Building construction approvals in municipal corporations and municipalities have been affected for the past week with licensed technical persons (LTPs) going on strike. The TS government has made it mandatory for builders to apply online for building approvals. The role of LTPs is important in the online system as they give the building plan including for the site, location, floor, section and elevation. The plan should be signed by the LTPs before being uploaded on the website.

The government has made mandatory for owners, structural engineers and LTPs to give an undertaking that they would comply with the approved plan and are liable for action in case of any deviations. Earlier, this undertaking was taken only from owners and structural  engineers. LTPs are strongly oppose their inclusion saying that they cannot be held responsible for construction deviations.

“Our job is to give building plans. It’s up to building owners and structural engineers to comply with the plan. We cannot monitor construction activity at each and every building and verify whether they complied with the norms.” said Mr B. Rakesh Kumar, a representative of LTPs association. “We are no way related with construction activity. We will intensify our agitation till the government excludes LTPs from giving undertakings,” he said.